LAS VEGAS — A date with destiny. Manny Pacquiao is fully aware of what the future will bring in the event Erik Morales of Mexico gets past him again Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).
It will not only put an end to lucrative fight contracts such as tonight’s -million payday, but a defeat would alter the public’s reputation of the Filipino lefty as someone whose accomplishment is worthy of an enshrinement in the boxing hall of fame.
But getting the job done won’t be easy.
On the opposite corner is somebody who has proven to fight exceptionally well especially when coming off a loss. Despite a freak accident against Zahir Raheem a few months ago in Los Angeles, Morales remains a livewire opponent.
Just like Pacquiao, Morales is cognizant of the fact that a setback would hurt his chances of earning rich paychecks in the near future although under a contract that the two fighters had signed, a third fight will take place in the event Pacquiao emerges the victor at the Thomas and Mack Center.
But, why afford to take on Pacquiao, 27, in a rubber match when a victory tonight would propel him to his next tour of duty?
Morales, 29, has time and again said that he wants no less than a rematch with Raheem and a fourth encounter with Marco Antonio Barrera before riding into the sunset.
But it would all depend on what will happen when he squares off with Pacquiao, a man many regard as having the firepower and the will to pull off such a difficult task.
In their first fight 10 months ago at the MGM Grand, Morales carved out a unanimous but close decision over a foe who had complained of having been mentally unprepared because of too many distractions stemming from a feud with then promoter Murad Muhammad.
“Now, it’s different. My mind is in a perfect state and I feel good, too,” said Pacquiao in Pilipino.
Pacquiao has been given not just a puncher’s chance, but a legitimate shot at exacting payback before a crowd that’s going to be “like 50 percent Mexican and 50 percent Filipinos,” promoter Bob Arum said just before the official weigh-in on Friday afternoon.
Pacquiao came in at 128 ? lbs, while Morales tipped in at the limit of 130 with supporters of the two fighters trying their best outdoing each other.
Pacquiao’s followers, most of them wearing Pacquiao shirts and jackets, held miniature Philippine flags.
In contrast, Morales’ fans were not as prepared, but they made up for it by chanting anti-Pacquiao slogans.
Pacquiao appeared cool and lively as he was seated just two meters away from where Morales was at. The Mexican also sat quietly wearing a black baseball cap in reverse and dressed in a white sports shirt and sweat pants.
While Pacquiao was also in a pensive mood, he was more relaxed and composed as he even went to shake the hands of Morales and his handlers just before they were made to strip.
Pacquiao was the first to step on the scales and then came Morales, who looked as though he hadn’t eaten in days. Just as they were about to wear their clothes, the two posed together so photographers could take shots of them together, and on his way to getting his grey hooded jacket, Pacquiao flexed his muscles and revealed his six-pack.
Pacquiao should weigh no more than 138 lbs when the bell rings, according to his conditioning coach Justin Fortune. Morales, who has been having a hard time making the 130-lb limit, should weigh at 143 lbs.
On Saturday morning, a Mass will be held at the 51st floor of his suite with members of his entourage present.
On his way to the venue between 5:30 to 5:45 p.m., Pacquiao will ride on a limousine – provided by Wynn Las Vegas – that will be followed by three to four vehicles occupied by his management team and close friends. Pacquiao will enter the ring with a 40-3-2 with 31 knockouts, while Morales will parade a 48-3 slate with 34 wins inside the distance.
Kenny Bayless will referee the scheduled 12-rounder, while the three judges are Paul Smith, Jerry Roth and Carl Moretti, all from Nevada. Rex Walker, from Texas, will be the fight supervisor.
